Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

1 0 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I M B&F stands for Maximilian Büsser & Friends – in the 14 years since the company was established, it has collaborated with highly respected and ultra- talented, watchmakers, designers and manufacturers. For the stunning LM 101 Palladium, MB&F brought on board the awesome talent of the acclaimed master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, founder of his own eponymous watch brand as well as a deadly watchslinger for hire. Voutilainen’s involvement marks a new era for “the world’s first ever horological concept laboratory” as it is the first MB&F calibre to be entirely conceived and designed in-house. As can be expected, the movement's fine finishing specifications are flawless, and faithful to a rich horological heritage, but the construction and architecture are unmistakably MB&F. The crystal caseback is clear and domed to afford a perfect view of the intricately hand-finished movement. Sensually curved plates and bridges pay homage to the style found in high refined old pocket watches and testify to the respect accorded to historical legitimacy. We can see the hallmarks of the classical era of watchmaking, such as Geneva waves, hand-polished bevels, gold chatons and countersunk blued screws. Speaking to the brand about the watch, they say that the, “Legacy Machine 101 embodies and accentuates the very essence of what is essential in a wristwatch: the balance wheel, which is responsible for regulating precision; how much power remains in the mainspring, which indicates when it needs to be next wound; and of course, the time.” The eye-grabbing suspended balance wheel creates the predominant visual impact in this watch, with tantalising oscillations which are hypnotic. Two crisp-white sub-dials float over the sunray-engraved movement top plate. At the top right, hours and minutes are displayed by blued- gold hands that are thrown into brilliant relief by the flawless white of the dial. The 45-hour power reserve indicator is displayed in a smaller sub-dial below. Two ‘Frost’ limited editions add even more contrast between these elements and the effervescent backdrop of the hand-finished frosted dial plate. MB&F add, “In an apparent feat of magic, the sapphire crystal protecting the dial appears to be invisible; creating the illusion that you can reach out and touch the prodigious balance wheel hanging mesmerisingly from elegant twin arches. The arches are milled from a solid block of metal and require many hours of hand polishing to achieve their mirror-like lustre. MB&F – LEGACY MACHINE 101 PALLADIUM